Research Article
E. N. Ojiako , A. N. Eboatu an
Abstract
Soil samples collected from the three Local Government Areas of Anambra State were analyzed for their elemental composition using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Anions such as CL-, PO43-, NO3-, SO42-, CO3 2- and SiO2 were also assayed using tritimetric and quantitative and qualitative methods. Some specific physiochemical characteristics such as pH, particle size, porosity index/water holding capacity, moisture content and organic carbon/matter were also determined. Result on the cation concentrations in mg/kg of the soils in Aguata A, Dunukofia D and Oyi Y, Local Government Areas were in order: Ca(D>A>Y); K(Y>A>D); Na(D>A>Y); Cr(A>D>Y); Mg(D>A>Y); Ni(D>A>Y); Cu(Y>D>A); Zn(D>Y>A); Cd(A>Y>D); Pb(D>A>Y); Fe(D>Y>A); Al(Y>D>A). Anion concentrations in mg/kg were as follows Cl-(Y>A>D); PO4 3-(Y>D>A); NO3–(D>A>Y); SO4 2- (A>D=Y); CO3 2-(Y>D>A); %SiO2(Y>D>A). Other physiochemical characteristics showed that Aguata soils were acidic, pH (5.26), Dunukofia pH (5.95) moderately acidic and Oyi, pH (7.42) slightly above neutral. Aguata area had more sandy particles (92.52%) whereas Oyi area had more of clay particles (27.49%). Statistical studies reveal that silicate, phosphate, and carbonate including metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and iron oxides were significant factors in the incidence of erosion in Aguata area